What are my Planned Giving Options?

There are many different planned giving vehicles to consider. Most people discover that a number of simple trusts and gift annuities fit their goals quite well. Most trusts and annuities are easy to establish. First, assets are transferred from a donor to the Academy or another Trustee. Then, part or all of the income produced by these assets is used to provide income for the donor or other beneficiaries during their lifetime. When the beneficiaries are deceased, the remaining funds become part of Wayland's endowment. The most widely used planned giving vehicles are: charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts and life estate agreements.

Charitable Gift Annuity

A gift annuity is a contract between you and Wayland. This is how works. You transfer assets (usually cash or securities) to Wayland and in return the Academy sends you fixed, guaranteed payments for your lifetime or the lifetimes of other beneficiaries whom you name. Payments may begin immediately or you may defer payments a number of years.

The main benefits of a gift annuity are:

  • You and/or loved ones are provided with income for life, or a chosen period of time.
  • It may provide a significantly higher income than your assets currently provide.
  • Wayland guarantees payments.
  • You receive an immediate income tax deduction, based on the age of the beneficiary(s).
  • A portion of each regular payment will be tax-free, based on the age of the beneficiary(s).
  • You may reduce capital gains taxes, if you fund the annuity with appreciated assets.
  • You may reduce estate taxes, by reducing the size of your taxable estate.
  • A gift annuity is easy to set up and maintain.
  • By increasing Wayland's endowment, you provide lasting support for its mission.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

A remainder trust is an arrangement in which a donor transfers assets to a trust; the trust then pays an income to the donor or beneficiary(s) named by the donor. There are two primary types of remainder trusts. The first provides a fixed income payment to the beneficiary & this is an annuity trust. A trust that provides a variable income stream to the beneficiary(s) is called a unitrust.

The main difference between the two is that the income payment from a unitrust will vary based upon the results of the investment strategy of the trustee who manages the trust's assets. A trust can be established to run for the life of the beneficiary(s), or for a specified number of years. When the trust expires, the remaining assets become part of the endowment of Wayland.

The main benefits of a charitable remainder trust are:

  • You and/or loved ones are provided with income for life.
  • It may provide a significantly higher income than your assets currently provide.
  • Payments are guaranteed by the Academy in an annuity trust.
  • Your gift, and your income payments, has the possibility of growth in a unitrust.
  • You receive an immediate income tax deduction for the present value of the gift.
  • You bypass all capital gains taxes, if you fund the trust with appreciated assets.
  • You may reduce estate taxes, by reducing the size of your taxable estate.
  • Income received from the trust may be taxed favorably at lower capital gains rate.
  • You may make additional contributions to a unitrust at any time.
  • By increasing Wayland's endowment, you provide lasting support for its mission

Life Estate Agreement

A life estate agreement allows you to transfer title of a residence or farm that you own (you do not need to live in it) to Wayland Academy, while you retain the right to use the residence for your lifetime, or the lifetime of someone you name. You keep any income that the property generates, and you are responsible for its upkeep. Upon death, Wayland receives the property.

The main benefits of the life estate agreement are:

  • You receive an immediate income tax deduction at the time the agreement is established.
  • You may bypass capital gains taxes, if the residence has appreciated in value.
  • You receive an estate tax deduction.
  • You retain a life interest in the property.
  • By increasing Wayland's endowment, you provide lasting support for its mission.

In conclusion, make sure you discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your attorney, accountant or financial planner.